Been coming here for over 20 years. Still my spot to come to for Bahn mi. Same guy still there making my sandwiches.

tl;dr Humble lil' mom & pop shop, with the best banh mi for your dollar. Cash only as of writing this review, so don't forget to hit the ATM on the way here. ------ Full Review: Having grown up in San Jose, banh mi and pho were the main staples of eating out. With the large Vietnamese population in south bay, we had a wealth of quality options to choose from. The same could not be said when we moved to the east bay. That was until we discovered Banh Mi Ba Le in Oakland on International. They quickly became our favorite go-to banh mi joint in the area, and always made sure to stop by at least once a month for our fix. Since then, we've moved to El Cerrito and we were pleased to discover that our favorite banh mi spot has a location on San Pablo (the business is owned within the same family). This location, however, is much smaller than its Oakland counterpart, with a more limited menu. I'd keep that mind before visiting if you've been to the Oakland location, so peep the menu photos so you can get the right expectations. Regardless, they've got most of the banh mi variations, and still maintain being the best value for your money as far as banh mi goes, especially on this side of the bay. **As of writing this review, they are still a cash only business, so don't forget to stop by the ATM on your way here.

While grocery shopping next door, we noticed Banh Mi Ba Le, a very intimate mom and pop shop with a menu featuring about ten items. We ordered two BBQ char siu sandwiches and one grilled pork sandwich, all of which were delicious. The grilled pork was smoky, and the char siu had a pulled pork consistency I had never experienced before. The bread was soft and flaky, complemented by flavorful meat, well pickled vegetables, and jalapeños that added a nice kick, tying the whole sandwich together. The service is both quick and friendly, and it is important to note that they are a cash only business. Overall, the sandwiches were reasonably priced and of a quality that I would come back for.

Probably the best banh mi place that's closest to where I live! This is a mom and pop stop so don't expect too much! There's a small menu, no place to really eat and some drinks available for purchase. It's located inside a small strip mall so there is parking available. I believe it's cash only as well! I love the cold cut combo so that's what I got and wow it was so good! I will definitely be coming back here and trying out the other banh mis (but I have a habit of always ordering the same)

Great hole in the wall banh mi place in a mini mall. I've placed large, urgent orders here twice and they were both filled on time with no drama. And they're tasty! Great if you need to feed 10 people urgently for lunch, on a budget - just be aware they're cash only.

You want hole in the wall with zero ambience but great food at excellent prices? This be your strip mall find. I can't say it's the best Banh mi ever. The bread is just not the perfect crunchy chewy and flavor needs just a bit more of a kick. But it's a hella good banh mi for the price and hits the spot. They don't take credit cards so be prepared with grubby cash. The other prepared items were yummier than the banh mi so I might just go for a salad or spring roll next time. Anyway, definitely worth it when you're hungry.

As a child and picky eater, the only sandwich I liked was a plain ham sandwich. My Dad introduced me to Ba Le when I was in elementary school and from there, I grew to love their ham banh mis. It's been several years since I've been back but not much has changed aside from the prices. The tiny and casual sandwich shop operates as cash only and takeout only. You can order in person or on the phone--regardless banh mis are made fast. They have several options of pork, chicken, or vegetarian banh mi along with Vietnamese snacks, drinks, and desserts. My favorite item as a child was Banh Mi Dac Biet (Ham and Pork Cake Sandwich). I split this with for lunch with my companion. Based on reviews, the bread can be a hit or miss. Ours wasn't stale instead it was semi-soft, crunchy, and flaky. The meat was both fatty and lean with bright pickled veggies but I feel their portion size has gone down since I was a kid. For those craving a banh mi around the area, Banh Mi Ba Le is an affordable takeout option. The shop is located in Peppermint Tree Plaza with free parking out front. This isn't the best but will always be a nostalgic go-to for me whenever I'm home and want a banh mi.

Haven't been here in quite a while but the sandwiches here are still some of the best Vietnamese Banh Mi's in the East Bay I think! I always get the BBQ Pork Banh Mi which is "still" loaded with their yummy pork filled with assorted marinated daikon and carrot, with cucumber and cilantro and peppers for a nice kick all for $6.50 on a nice flaky bun. Note this place only accepts cash so be prepared! Parking is available in front or in the lot as well.